Genetically modified animals as models for psychiatric diseases]

Animal models of mental disorders as well as physical disorders have been useful tools to elucidate pathophysiology of the complex disorders and develop new therapeutics. Transgenic mice including gene knockout animals have been produced by gene targeting technology. Monoamine system which is target of antipsychotics and antidepressants has very important roles in pathology of functional psychosis. In this review, we would like to introduce monoamine transporter knockout mice that we had generated as animal models of mental disorders including schizophrenia and drug abuse.